On February 10, Li You, who returned to New York, was enjoying watching ESPN's Sports Center program at home.
Highlights of last night's All-Star game were replayed repeatedly, and Li You's saucy throw for a layup once again became popular across the United States.
"Good big brother" Starks was dressed casually. He looked a bit younger under the beige sweater. After lunch, Li You showed a charming smile on the sofa and said helplessly:
"In the entire All-Star Game, you only scored 2 points and only played 8 minutes. Why are you so happy when you come back?"
"Good brother" didn't quite understand this. Li You, who was in a particularly beautiful mood, explained with a smile:
"It doesn't matter how many points you score, anyway, this beautiful layup will be passed down forever!"
"When talking about the 1997 All-Star Game in the future, fans will think of the top 50 superstars, the top 10 coaches, and Michael Jordan's first triple-double record in the All-Star Game."
"At the same time, some fans will also think of my beautiful goals, and that's enough! As for those players who score 10 or 20 points, they will be forgotten sooner or later."
When Starks heard what Li You said, he felt it made sense for a moment:
"You really offended someone this time, using Olajuwon as a background, but it's really exciting to think about it!"
The two looked at each other and smiled, and then Starks suddenly asked:
"To be on the safe side, Pat should rest for a while. How do you want to play in the next games?"
Li You was a little surprised. He always thought that this "good brother" wore the same pants as Ewing. He touched his chin and said firmly:
"Maintain defensive intensity and play more transition offenses. We need more rounds and more opportunities to score easily!"
Starks smiled, finally fist-bumped with Li You, and whispered:
"Let's see, we still have room for error."
At the 1997 All-Star Weekend, the biggest winner was still Michael Jordan.
Even though he was ranked 46th in the ranking of the top 50 superstars, when the top 50 superstars were unveiled during the All-Star Game, the NBA league placed Michael Jordan in the C position.
McNuckle is still the protagonist of this 50 superstar award ceremony!
In the All-Star game, Michael Jordan made 5 of 14 shots and 4 of 7 free throws. He had a triple-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals and 3 turnovers.
For the first time in All-Star history there was a triple-double, and Michael Jordan set a new record.
No one cares that the Hornets’ Glen Rice won the AMVP, everyone is talking about Michael Jordan’s triple-double;
And Li You's beautiful throw layup!
Although Li You's score in the All-Star Game was not satisfactory, being handsome is really a lifelong matter.
The fans in New York were completely excited. In the afternoon, Li You was about to drive to Madison Square Garden. When he left the apartment parking lot, he was blocked by fans and was almost captured on the spot by an enthusiastic tank.
The team is still in the All-Star break. Among the Knicks, there are very few players like Li You who insist on completing basic training every day.
Alan Houston practiced with him the most, and then there was Walter McCarty, the doormat.
After arriving at the arena, Li Youneng noticed that the staff was more enthusiastic than before. Being selected as an All-Star has indeed changed some situations.
Equipment manager Mike Sr. has to personally help Li You prepare training equipment as always. Having been with the Knicks for many years, Sr. Mike also has his own channel for gossip:
"Li, let me tell you the news that ITT plans to sell its shares, and there may be changes in management."
"But no one can predict the future, but you don't have to worry about that. As a 19-year-old All-Star, you are definitely in the team's future plans!"
"New York fans like to watch you play. This is very important. You are still young and have time to settle yourself. Stay patient. Time is on your side."
Mike Sr. would always share some internal gossip about the team with Li You. These sources may not be accurate, but there is also a hint of authenticity in them.
"I just hope the boss won't be too stingy. The rookie contract salary is not high, but I still expect to make a lot of money in the next contract!"
Li You appropriately changed the topic. The team is currently in a subtle state of turmoil. As long as the gorilla is still 20+10, the core position will not change.
But Ewing's physical decline is visible to the naked eye, and everyone knows who is the future of the team.
On the morning of February 11, everyone from the Knicks set off for Washington. The first game after the All-Star Game was an away game against the Bullets.
Ewing still did not bother with the team, because after this game, there were three consecutive home games. As a franchise player in the team, Gorilla stayed in New York to continue to recuperate.
In the evening game, it can be said that Li You led the team alone!
In those games before the All-Star Weekend, Li You did not have the status of an "All-Star" player. In addition, most teams had withdrawn their efforts before the All-Star Weekend. Those few wins did not explain too many problems.
Entering the second half of the regular season, each team is fighting for rankings, and most of them are starting to hit hard.
Jeff Van Gundy made some more game plans during the afternoon training session:
"Play good defense. Our first priority tonight is to protect the rebounds!"
"George Mulesan is back from injury. The 2.31 meter player is squatting in the paint. Everyone should play smarter!"
Charles Oakley was in a state of confusion, not paying attention to what the coach said.
After saying the last words, Van Gundy looked at Li You, who had been absent due to injury in the previous games between the two teams.
Therefore, tonight's game is the first time Li You faces Romania's super center.
Li You held the tactical board and nodded to indicate that he understood.
Jeff Van Gundy always felt that the team was out of control again. On the defensive end, everyone was still following the plan, but on the offensive end, he didn't know what the outcome would be.
Assistant coach Don Chaney didn't care about Li You's temporary change of tactical arrangements.
In his opinion, the point guard is the brains on the court, and the purpose of modifying tactics is to win. This is the NBA, as long as you can win, no one will talk about pure basketball.
That night, the American Airlines Arena was packed again. After the All-Star weekend, fans in Washington bought tickets to watch the game, partly because of Li You's arrival.
"Wow!!"
In the first round of the game, the Bullets' super center George Mulesan succeeded in jumping the ball, and the stadium immediately burst into cheers.
Point guard Strickland quickly passed half the court, and then everyone opened up in turn.
In the starting lineup, Chris Webber resumed his power forward position tonight. On the first offense, after receiving the pass at the free throw line, there was a simple high-low cooperation immediately.
Asking for the ball in the low post on the left, Muresan easily caught the ball with his huge height advantage.
Facing the defense of veteran Buck Williams, he didn't do too many moves. He released the ball with his right hand, hit it, approached the paint area, and simply threw it!
"state!"
The basketball knocked out of the basket, and Charles Oakley successfully blocked the basket and grabbed the basketball. Li You stepped forward to respond, and everyone else quickly ran towards the opponent's half.
The super center who has returned from injury seems to have to continue to find his touch. He will slowly throw away his hands when he misses the shot. After Li You catches the ball, he continues to accelerate along the left sideline.
Larry Johnson was the most active in the fast break, but Juwan Howard followed him to the right wing outside the three-point line, accelerating towards the basket without any chance.
Coach Bickerstaff on the sidelines shouted to the players to retreat quickly. When Li You observed that there was no passing route, he approached the left wing outside the three-point line and slowed down slightly.
Strickland, who was defending at the three-point line, saw that Li You seemed to be stopping the ball and turned his head to look at the top of the arc. He relaxed his vigilance for a while.
Approaching the three-point line, Li You suddenly slowed down while holding the ball in his right hand. He dribbled the ball with his hips. While looking up at the basket, he pretended to join the ball with his right hand.
Although there was still a short distance from the three-point line, Li You's realistic fake move of worshiping Buddha still made Strickland subconsciously jump to defend!
The opponent had just taken off. Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, lowered his center of gravity and accelerated with all his strength. He passed the defense in one step. Amid the exclamations of the fans at the scene, he quickly cut in and rushed directly to the basket.
Muresan, who was slowly retreating, had just arrived in the paint area. In the blink of an eye, Li You rushed to the basket. He had no time to retreat to block the shot. He watched Li You stride up and hit the basket with his left hand!
"Rhodes shouldn't have jumped on defense! But Lee's fake move was really beautiful!"
There were faint cheers at the scene, and the commentator at the Bullets' home court could only say something sour.
It was not in line with the game plan, but Li You scored easily. Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines clapped his hands in a pretentious manner and shouted:
"That's it, retreat and defend!"
Charles Oakley, who was lagging behind, had barely passed halftime, and at this time he also began to direct everyone to get into position.
After adapting to Li You's style of play, the old guy found that the game was not difficult at all. He just performed as usual on the defensive end, screened on the offensive end, grabbed rebounds, flanked by opponents, and waited to eat the cake in the mid-range.
As the Knicks coaching staff predicted before the game, most of the Bullets' offense was concentrated on both sides of the paint, trying to take advantage of their height to complete the offense in the paint.
Chris Webber, who played with Li You in the All-Star Game, caught the ball with his back in the left block, turned towards the baseline, and finally faced Oakley's defense and hit the bottom left of the basket for a layup!
Having learned their lesson, everyone on the Bullets retreated very quickly this time, and the big man Mulesan quickly turned back and ran without complaining.
"Defense! Defense! Defense!"
The Bullets fans shouted loudly, and the five players on the field had already completed their defensive positions. After halftime, Li Youyun just made a simple tactical gesture.
Different from the conventional tactics in the past, Alan Houston quickly slipped to the baseline near the baseline on the right side, and with the help of veteran Buck Williams' cover, he quickly bounced to the left wing beyond the three-point line.
Li You sent a cross pass, and Alan Houston, who got rid of the defense, caught the ball and threw it!
"Whoa!" The three-pointer hit the net!
Culbert Chaney, who was chasing, showed a surprised expression. He thought Houston would catch the ball and shoot a mid-range shot from the left elbow area of the free throw line, but ended up throwing the three-pointer directly.
Li You, who was retreating, kept high-fiving, indicating that Alan Houston made a great shot!
It is true that three-pointers are prone to counterattacks, and long rebounds are also difficult to control, but Li You doesn't care. All he has to do is speed up the pace of the game and outrun the opposing big man!
Jeff Van Gundy, who was on the sidelines, soon discovered that the Knicks' offense was getting faster and faster. No one cared about hitting the iron, and there was no low post attack.
Juwan Howard caught the ball in the right block and missed the basket. "Auntie" grabbed the rebound. Alan Houston responded, and the Knicks quickly ran towards the opponent's half.
Everyone in the Bullet Team, who had been struggling for several rounds, was forced to quickly return to defense.
At the top of the arc, Alan Houston slowed down to stop the ball, and left wing Li You moved laterally without the ball on the top line.
Charles Oakley, who ran to the frontcourt, took advantage of the situation and stood at the right elbow of the free throw line, just in time to provide an off-ball screen for Li You.
Strickland, who was chasing Li You, was delayed for a moment, and the next second he saw Li You running to the right wing to catch the ball, turn around and throw it!
The Bullets retreated and could only watch the basketball draw a graceful arc and accurately fall into the basket.
"Shhh!!"
An outrageous offensive choice. In less than 10 seconds, the Knicks completed an attack. The fans at the scene could only boo.
10:4, including "Auntie's" steal, the Knicks' scores all come from transition offense.
As the game progressed, the Knicks, led by Li You, persisted in this somewhat outrageous style of play.
Quick attack, Li You hit the iron, Jeff Van Gundy's eyes twitched slightly, this was not the game plan he arranged before the game at all.
As the game time passed, Li You felt that he was completely stable. Even if there was a chance to switch offense, the Bullets would slow down and continue to give the ball to the low post.
The Knicks seem to be running wild, but every defensive round, they will get a chance to breathe.
Muresan, who played high, successfully put the basket under the basket. After completing the attack, the big man did not celebrate and retreated desperately.
Veteran Buck Williams took advantage of the situation and screened Li You on the left wing outside the three-point line. Strickland squeezed through the screen and stayed close to Li You.
Li You, who was holding the ball in his left hand, was unable to get rid of the defense after the pick-and-roll. He noticed that Muresang on the opposite side seemed to want to squat in the paint area, and then cut in and broke through slowly.
Carrying the defense to the left blocking area, Li You suddenly circled the ball behind his back while walking. After shaking, he grabbed the ball with his left hand and thrust his body forward.
His teammates were out of position on defense, and Muresan subconsciously moved to help defend. The next second, the basketball passed through his waist. He turned around and saw Buck Williams passing down the ball to catch the ball and lay up!
After a fancy pass, there was another burst of exclamations from the scene. Li You smiled at Muresan. He had already noticed that the big man was gasping for air.
At 20:10, the score difference just reached double digits.
Except for the official timeout, Jeff Van Gundy waited for his opponent to take the initiative to time out. In the second half of the first quarter, he simply returned to his seat with a smile on his face and was completely in charge.
Muresan ran for most of the quarter, but in the end couldn't keep up with the rhythm and was forced to be substituted early.
Taking forward Harvey Grant, the Bullets' height dropped, and the Knicks began to attack the basket and cut frequently.
Seeing Li You break into the paint, circle around, get rid of the defense, and succeed in a throw right in front of the basket, huge boos broke out again!
"I knew Li was different. He is really not an ordinary 19-year-old player! He is trustworthy!"
On the Knicks bench, assistant coach Don Chaney whispered a suggestion. Jeff Van Gundy didn't say anything, just nodded, unable to complain for a while:
"It's okay not to trust a 19-year-old All-Star."
The Knicks only got Starks and Herb Williams in the regular rotation with 1:58 left in the first quarter.
"Good brother" Starks didn't show any mercy. He came up and hit the right wing outside the three-point line.
Jeff Van Gundy wanted to stand up and shout a few words, but in the end he found that the Bullets did not seize the opportunity to switch offense, and Webb received the ball in the low post again.
At the end of the first quarter, at 32:22, the Knicks maintained their lead.
The expected advantages failed to produce results, and the noise at the scene became louder and louder.
"We performed very well, Chris, John, control the rhythm in the second quarter!"
"Protect the rebounds, okay? The opponent will get the big man, we need to show our vitality, everyone must block!"
With a double-digit lead, Jeff Van Gundy's original intention was to go slower and not throw too fast, but Starks, who let himself go, ignored the instructions:
"Run and keep throwing!"
The second quarter of the game started. Li You, who had played the entire first quarter, sat obediently on the bench. At this time, the Bullets' home commentator added a few sour words:
"19-year-old All-Star! Well-deserved, Lee completely controlled the rhythm of the game in the first quarter!"
"Head coach Jeff Van Gundy adjusted his tactics tonight, and I have to say that it worked. Muresan should probably come back at another time. With this kind of game rhythm, it will be difficult for him to find his form."
Jeff Van Gundy didn't know that someone was praising his tactics, so he resisted the urge to stand up and roar a few times. Chris Childs didn't play as required at all!
On the bench, the doormat Walter McCarty was courteous to Li Youda, handing him a kettle and a towel:
"Li, when I come on the court, can I get a chance to score easily? You know, I've been practicing extra."
Looking at the doormat who covered his mouth with a towel and made a request in a low voice, Li You almost laughed out loud.
Oakley has indeed left a psychological shadow on McCarty. As long as the old guy is on the bench, his voice is lowered.
Holding back his smile, Li You agreed:
"Walter, relax! In these games, inside players will get more opportunities."
"I promise you will set a new career high!"
Walter McCarty, the doormat, suddenly became happy, but found Oakley looking at him again. He quickly lowered his head and cursed in his heart:
"Damn old guy! He knows how to suppress rookies!"
In the first quarter of the game, Li You made 3 of 5, 1 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, and scored 7 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists. He only appeared again with 5 minutes and 01 seconds left in the second quarter.
Chris Childs and Starks both looked "comfortable" after coming off the court.
At 48:37, the two sides poked at each other, and the point difference was widened a little.
Head coach Bickerstaff thought the Knicks would continue to run wild, but after Li You came on the court, the pace of the game slowed down.
Alan Houston's touch was not good and he failed to seize several opportunities. He suddenly increased his three-point shooting and has not completely recovered his touch.
The Knicks gradually increased their defensive strength. Webb scored consecutively in front of Oakley. The old guy was already a little impatient. The rhythm slowed down and "iron-blooded" basketball returned.
At halftime, 56:43, the score difference came to 13 points.
In the second half of the game, head coach Bickerstaff completely gave up using Muresan and lowered his height in an attempt to speed up the pace of the game.
But the Knicks were not in a hurry. Charles Oakley began to pester Webb. Less than 2 minutes into the game, the two began to push each other.
Larry Johnson wasn't polite to Juwan Howard either, and he frequently made moves on the defensive end.
One couldn't catch the ball, and the other stood on the free throw line to hit the iron. For a moment, the Bullets suddenly fell into a scoring drought.
The Knicks' offense was mostly focused on Li You and Alan Houston. The two threw freely and fought hard inside.
Such a simple tactic directly defeated the Bullets. On the bench, Jeff Van Gundy was also a little unbelievable:
"Is this a win?"
20:11 in a single quarter, after three quarters, the score reached 76:54, the point difference reached 22 points, and there was no suspense in the game.
The Bullets fans seemed to find it difficult to accept this result, and they burst out with the biggest boos since the opening:
"Shhh!!"
Li You didn't care about the atmosphere at the scene, walked to the bench, and bumped fists with Alan Houston:
"Great shot! You have to believe that you can always hit the next shot."
He breathed a sigh of relief. It was rare to have so much power to take action. Alan Houston also regained some confidence:
"Unfortunately, it was garbage time before I found the shooting feeling."
3 of 6, 0 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, and 2 of 2 free throws. Alan Houston scored 8 points in this quarter.
3 of 6 and 1 of 2 from beyond the three-point line. Li You scored 7 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists and 1 steal in the third quarter.
The two scored 15 points together, almost completely taking over the Knicks' scoring in a single quarter. This situation was simply impossible to happen in the first half of the game.
Assistant coach Don Chaney smiled and patted the main players off the field:
"Good job!"
The third quarter of the game was considered as the coaching staff's pre-match arrangement.
The difference is that the Knicks don't have to face Muresan, a 2.31 meter big man. Li You automatically optimized his tactical strategy in the first quarter.
Although the victory has been established, Jeff Van Gundy does not have much sense of accomplishment.
Seeing Li You back on the bench, chatting and laughing with everyone, Jeff Van Gundy suddenly remembered Pat Riley's experience with the Lakers:
"Is this what coaching Magic Johnson feels like?"
In the fourth quarter of the game, the doormat Walter McCarty finally got more opportunities.
In a whole quarter of garbage time, this newbie set a new career high: 7 points!
Too much garbage time also made the audience lose their mood, and the boos disappeared.
In the end, 101:81, the Knicks defeated the Bullets in an away game and got a good start after the All-Star break.
Chris Webber turned around and walked to the tunnel after the game.
As both All-Star players, the two are considered equal. Weber, who lost, didn't want to see Li You's smiling face.
After returning to the locker room, everyone in the Knicks team was in a good mood. Everyone saw the technical statistics, 84 rounds, no wonder they felt so comfortable!
After Li You completely left the bench, Starks also felt that it was easier for him to perform:
"I think we played well and made fewer mistakes than expected, 11 turnovers, 4 in the fourth quarter and 7 in the first three quarters."
Charles Oakley didn't care about the data either. The old guy returned to his seat and said casually:
"It doesn't matter if we play simply, as long as we don't lose this week, we will still be in second place!"
"According to the current record, we can win the division championship, which can be regarded as an explanation to the fans."
Both veterans hope to win the division championship as a consolation prize to make up for their losses that year.
Li You saw "Aunt" looking at the technical statistics depressedly, so he walked over and joked:
"Larry, don't always think about catching the ball in the low post. Facing tall forwards, your efficiency is a bit low. In the next game, remember to look for mismatches and I will pass the ball to you!"
He scored 3 of 8 and scored 10 points. He wanted to go back to the past, but found that he had no right to the ball. After hearing Li You's words, he could only secretly laugh:
"Bloody All-Stars!"
On the morning of February 12th, the Knicks returned to New York and defeated the Bullets. This week's schedule became particularly easy.
The New York media also praised Li You, who scored the highest score in the team:
Played 29 minutes, 7 of 14, 2 of 4 from beyond the three-point line, 2 of 2 free throws, 18 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and no mistakes.
All five starting players scored in double figures, and Starks even scored 15 points on the bench. Such a situation is not common for the Knicks.
Jeff Van Gundy was also praised by the media. The coaching staff adjusted tactics in a timely manner and the changes were visible to the naked eye. This is definitely worthy of praise!
In the afternoon, during the Knicks' training session, Ewing was not in a good mood. He always felt that the New York media was connoting him.
However, Gorilla is also a qualified leader in the locker room. The team won easily and also showed a smile:
"With 39 wins and 10 losses, we are already three games ahead of the second-place Pistons. If we persist for a few more games, I will be able to fully recover."
"If we can still remain in second place at the end of the month, then we will definitely win the division championship this season."
In the past few years, he has not been able to win a championship. Ewing felt that winning a division championship would be an explanation.
The boss spoke, and while everyone was flattering, they also gave out suggestions with concern:
"Pat, don't force yourself, your body is the most important thing!"
Ewing noticed something was wrong, but quickly put such emotions behind him. This is also his team!
In the presence of the gorilla, Li You usually does not express too many opinions. At this time, he is holding the tactical board and explaining the three-man pick-and-roll tactics to "Auntie":
"The most important thing is this screen at the free throw line. Pay attention to the timing of the pass. Of course, you can also choose a mid-range shot."
"Shoot a three-pointer? You can also bounce it out, but then Alan will be the screener for you. It depends on the opponent's defensive strategy!"
Larry Johnson, who was wearing training clothes, was a little confused, but after Li You's explanation, he instinctively felt that this tactic could indeed be used.
"It's still a little complicated. Just play UCLA and cut in! Just like the Jazz did, run back and cut around the line, go straight to the basket, and then finish at the basket."
Li You didn't say anything, but just clicked on the position under the basket. "Auntie" was stunned for a while, then realized that she disliked his finishing under the basket.
In daily training sessions, the Knicks actually practice many offensive routines. As a strong playoff team that relies on defense, the most important thing is to understand the opponent's tactical characteristics.
Confrontation training usually involves simulating the opponent's routines and then making systematic defensive arrangements.
Everyone is familiar with running tactics, but in the game, the style of play changes. With Li You as the core, the ball can be shared more, and routines can be played again.
Knicks legend Holtzman once analyzed the game:
"The game of basketball is not about rocket technology. When you attack, you just need to find open teammates, and when you defend, you just keep an eye on the ball!"
On the night of February 13th, Jeff Van Gundy followed the legendary coach's philosophy and continued to take care of the team, leaving Li You responsible for finding open teammates.
Iverson's 76ers have already lost. After losing to the Cavaliers in the last game, their record has reached 12 wins and 35 losses. According to this trend, there is a high probability that they will dive into the top pick again.
As soon as the game started, the Madison Square Garden Arena was buzzing with excitement. Regardless of the outcome, if you could see Iverson and Li You at the same time, the tickets would be worth it!
It was just that after the first half, Allen Iverson was numb.
2 of 10, 1 of 3 from beyond the arc, and scored 7 points.
At 41:54 of the half, the Knicks easily led by 13 points.
Li You was not interested in competing with the rookie team and successfully activated Alan Houston in the first half of the game.
It seems that he has found the feeling of playing for the Pistons. Alan Houston made 5 of 8 in the half and 2 of 5 from beyond the three-point line, scoring 12 points efficiently!
After returning to the locker room, Alan Houston was still very excited:
"The opponent's defensive discipline is too poor, and an opportunity will appear with just one screen!"
"I hope I can get to the 4th quarter tonight!"
Ewing can certainly feel the joyful atmosphere in the locker room.
Starks and Oakley were teasing Iverson about playing iron. "Auntie" pulled Li You to whisper, and the atmosphere team followed suit, shouting that they wanted to play through the fourth quarter.
The team has a different energy, and attacking can make people feel better
In the third quarter of the game, the Knicks launched a violent attack.
At 24:35, the three quarters were over, and at 65:89, the 4th quarter became garbage time again!
Such an efficient offense completely detonated Madison Square Garden, and the New York fans were completely delighted.
The starting lineup played the entire third quarter, and Larry Johnson had a smile on his face when he walked off the court.
"Auntie" made 4 of 4 in a single quarter and easily scored 8 points. Li You did what he said, and he really got the points easily.
"Although the score is not high, this is definitely Alan Houston's best performance since joining the Knicks!"
"9 of 15, 3 of 8 from beyond the arc, 1 of 1 free throw, 22 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, no mistakes. What I want to say is that Lee successfully activated this shooter!"
In the live MSG commentary box, commentator John Andaris boasted that even in a brutal game, such an efficient performance is very rare.
When it was time to take out the trash, commentator Marv Albert praised the team's tactical adjustments:
"Pat was injured, the coaching staff adjusted tactics in a timely manner, and head coach Jeff Van Gundy showed his coaching ability!"
"Perhaps it won't be long before head coach Van Gundy can become a legendary coach like Pat Riley and create a "Show Time" era for the Knicks!"
Sitting on the bench, Jeff Van Gundy looked confident and calm, occasionally standing up to direct the atmosphere team in the 4th quarter.
The picky New York fans no longer criticize the bald young coach. Many people even cheer for Van Gundy. This is really interesting!
At the end of the game, the score was fixed at 92:113. The Knicks went crazy and continued to clock in for three quarters, beating the 76ers!
Iverson made 3 of 15 shots and scored 13 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal and 5 turnovers. He left the game after the game. He lost consecutive games after the All-Star Game and could no longer stand it.
MSG interviewed Li You immediately after the game:
"Li, congratulations on getting another double-double. Tonight, all five starting players scored in double figures again. Can you talk about the team's offense?"
Li You was naturally prepared for such a question:
"Head coach Jeff Van Gundy has made important adjustments. The coaching staff will develop a detailed game plan for every game!"
"Pat is injured, and everyone needs to step up and score. It's dangerous and we are tired of cutting trees. We believe in each other and playing such an offense is a credit to the whole team."
Commentator John Andaris nodded happily. After commentating on the Knicks' games for many years and watching so many beautiful offenses, he already had a feeling of getting ahead.
Jeff Van Gundy on the sidelines saw Li You talking with a smile on his face during the interview, and was speechless for a moment:
"The basketball philosophy of the legendary coach is still applicable to modern basketball?"
In this game, Li You made 5 of 11 shots, 1 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, and 4 of 5 free throws. He scored 15 points, 2 rebounds, 11 assists, and 1 steal. His score was not the highest, but he received the most praise.
On Sunday night, the 16th, the Knicks faced the Cavaliers at home. After three quarters, Madison Square Garden was boiling again.
At 59:79, the Knicks clocked out three quarters again!
After being fed by Li You for three games, Alan Houston had a meal of dumplings!
11 of 16, 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, 3 of 4 free throws, 28 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 turnover.
With ultimate efficiency, Alan Houston returned to the bench and grinned in his seat.
The atmosphere team also followed suit, and the efficiency was really amazing!
"I think Coach Van Gundy has completely found a way to use Houston!"
"Incredible performance, scoring 28 points in three quarters. As long as we continue this state, we can challenge the Bulls!"
Commentator Marv Albert was so excited that he almost loaned the Knicks a championship.
At Madison Square Garden, New York fans who bought tickets to watch the game on Sunday were all swaying to the music.
Li You was sitting on the bench, shaking his head and interacting with the fans at the scene. He clocked in for three quarters and was easy to beat, and everyone loved it!
On the bench of the Cavaliers, Terril Brandon's mentality exploded. He is also an All-Star player. With the game lost like this, any excuses are useless.
Especially when I saw Li You on the Knicks bench shaking his head from time to time, he would run to the sidelines and throw his towel wildly, and cursed secretly in anger:
"What a damn game!"
In the end, 82:102, the Knicks defeated the Cavaliers, ending this week's schedule with three consecutive victories.
At the post-game press conference, the New York media in the audience were in awe of Jeff Van Gundy.
Even if the opponent is not strong, they have clocked in all three games in three quarters and won each game by 20 points. Very few teams in the league can do this!
"Jeff, I think fans want to know how the coaching staff activates the team's offense!"
The New York Times reporters in the audience no longer asked questions as casually as they did in the past, and everyone had expressions of approval on their faces.
Jeff Van Gundy was so excited that he subconsciously tugged on his tie when he heard this question, and then said solemnly:
"We are always practicing new tactics and the players are working very hard on the training ground!"
"After half a season, the team has successfully integrated. At present, we are just showing the training results."
"Of course, Lee's performance is also crucial. An excellent point guard is sometimes the coach on the court. He perfectly executed the game plan formulated by the team!"
Li You played 30 minutes, 4 of 9, 1 of 3 from beyond the three-point line, 4 of 4 free throws, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 11 assists and 1 steal, without making any mistakes.
The reporters in the audience looked at the technical statistics in their hands and nodded, "Coach on the field." They agreed with Van Gundy's point of view.
On February 17, while having breakfast at home, Li You was in a good mood while watching ESPN reporting on the Knicks' three big wins in the TV series.
"After the All-Star Game, the Knicks seem to have undergone a transformation. Alan Houston has been completely activated. Although Patrick Ewing is injured, the current Knicks seem to have become better!"
"If they continue like this, they may even catch up with the Bulls' record."
"."
ESPN’s commentators are crazy about it. These sports media like to consume Patrick Ewing. It seems that seeing the gorilla break the defense will make their lives more satisfying.
Starks, who came to have breakfast, heard the opinions of these football commentators and curled his lips in disdain:
"I dare to guarantee that as long as we lose, these guys will use another set of rhetoric."
"Pat probably read these reports and is preparing to make an early comeback!"
The opponent in the next game was the Suns, who added Jason Kidd. Li You also felt that this was not a good time to come back:
"We have six consecutive away games in the Western Conference. Flying back and forth is really not conducive to adjusting our state."
"But Pat is the boss, he has the final say on this matter!"
Starks was silent. He felt that the team might be changing.
Alan Houston has just found his form, and Larry Johnson is no longer playing soy sauce. This is all the influence of Li You:
"I hope everything goes well for the team on the road."
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(End of chapter)
